From the Tel Aviv Slums to the Stratosphere of Success

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After growing up in a poor neighborhood in South Tel Aviv, Shai Pinhasi worked hard to finally go to college. Now, as a participant in Federation partner The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Choosing Tomorrow initiative, he developed "Thinking Far," a program to mentor fifth-graders in his old school, helping them take practical steps toward achieving their own dreams—including college.

"I was inspired to create Thinking Far by members of my own family who have not realized their personal potential for success, because of regional influences," he said. "I think it’s very important that Choosing Tomorrow provides training and support for generating social change, and a chance for students to initiate their own projects in our own neighborhoods."